Kochi Things to Do

You might be offered a sight-seeing trip by many a tuk-tyk driver for about 50Rs. It is actually a cheap way to orientate yourself and get an idea of Fort Cochin. The only problem could be all the stops at emporiums and shops. If you kindly decline, it should not be a problem.
The driver we had was well informed and could give some history and background of the sights visited.

An ancient colourful performing art. This is a 'must do'. Go an hour before the show to watch the transformation of the artists while doing their make-up. The show then consits of 2 parts. The first part gives a background of kathakali and also explain many of the movements and expressions used. The second part is a performance of kathakali. The Cochin Cultural Centre is an airconditioned venue which was great.
You can take photographs during make-up and the show.
Ticket costs 300Rs, and the show lasts for about an hour.

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An amazing, beautiful experience. You get a very good idea of the geography of the Kochi area with this trip. You leave from the jetty (to Vypeen island) at Fort Cochin in the direction of Ernakulam, pass the man made Willingdon island. Then you pass Bolgatty and Vypeen islands. The timing of our trip was perfect, with a magnificent sunset and views of the fishing nets on Vypeen island.

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A easy daytrip to do from Kochi. We went on a backwater village tour. You can decide between 3 hours or 6 hours. One can off course stay overnight on a house boat. It is one of the highlights of the trip to Kerala. It is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of this area.
There are many tour operators in Fort Kochi where you can book your trip at very reasonable prices.

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The best way of visiting spice wharehouses and NOT SPICE SHOPS, is to specifically ask a tuk-tuk/taxi driver that you would like to visit such places. In the course of a few hours we visited places where ginger, tumeric, black pepper and other spices were processed. It is facinating what you find inside old delapidated buildings. Then there is the Pepper Exchange in Jew Town, which you may visit.

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Well worth the visit. The Jains are very friendly and welcomimg people. You will be showed around, and are allowed to take pictures (if you want to). You should spend some time at the office next to the entrance, where you can learn more about this old religion.
It is not just one building, but rather a few buildings in the temple-complex.

There is an ayurvedic centre in fort Kochi. Women will be treated by women and men by men.
I went there and they seemed professional (I've heard many stories about would be masseurs)
Here are some prices:
- Ayurvedic body massage 350 roepies (50 minutes)
- head and face massage 150 roepies (15 minutes)
- herbal steam bath 250 roepies (i took this one, never sweated like this in my life 15 min)
- clay therapy 600 roepies

they do more things and you can also get a package deal. i don't have those prices anymore though.

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I've seen these nets at the backwaters. Over here was the first time I saw them in use.
It's a bit touristy because the fishermen will allow tourist on the fishing nets from time to time to check it out. Still it is a beautiful sight.